Carlos Paez

Carlos "Carlitos" Páez Rodríguez is a Uruguayan businessman, publicist and speaker, recognized worldwide for being one of the 16 survivors of the 1972 Andes air tragedy. His life is a testament to the human capacity for survival, resilience and the power of teamwork. Son of the famous artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, the story of "Carlitos" is not only defined by the accident, but by the way he has used that experience to inspire millions of people throughout his life.

When the plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes Mountains, Paez was only 18 years old and the youngest passenger on board. During the 72 days they were stranded in extreme conditions, he showed surprising maturity and fortitude. After being rescued, his story became a symbol of hope. Paez has recounted on numerous occasions how the mountain experience transformed him from a "spoiled and spoiled" young man to a person aware of the value of life and humility.

Beyond survival, Paez has dedicated himself to sharing his testimony at motivational conferences around the world. He uses his experience in the Cordillera to talk about leadership, teamwork, dealing with adversity and the importance of attitude in the face of challenges. His talks are known for their sincerity and his message that while we cannot control circumstances, we can choose how we deal with them. His book After Day Ten has become a fundamental guide for personal development.

Recently, his story has once again captured the world's attention with the release of the film La sociedad de la nieve, in which he plays his father, Carlos Páez Vilaró. This participation has allowed a new generation to learn about the values of self-improvement and solidarity that emerged from the tragedy. The life of Carlos Páez is a reminder that life's greatest lessons are often found in the moments of greatest difficulty, and that the hardest experience can be the source of a powerful message of hope.